Birds add beauty, movement, and color to your landscape. And like all creatures, they need shelter, water, and food to survive. So invite birds to your property this winter by providing these things for our feathered friends. Create Shelter Of the three elements necessary for birds, providing shelter is probably the easiest. While bird houses may be purchased or built, they are …

Most people want a beautiful property, and many don’t want to spend their evenings and weekends working in the yard. But since all landscapes require care, learn to create a beautiful, low-maintenance garden. At the same time, create healthy habitat for your human, and non-human neighbors to enjoy! Shift From Maintenance to Management Gardens change over time. Plants grow. Some …

Some insects are simply fascinating.  An example of this is the beautiful Mourning Cloak butterfly.  A brown-red butterfly with cream colored edges and blue spots on the wings, Mourning Cloaks are often the first butterflies to appear in spring. Winter Survival Strategies Insects use several different mechanisms to survive the winter including migration, communal living, and diapause, which is a …

Bluebirds are a symbol of happiness, springtime, and peace. They are also beneficial to our landscapes. Historically, both Native Americans and colonists used nest boxes and gourds to attract bluebirds to nest nearby and help control insect populations. Problems for bluebirds arose however, from the 1920s through the 1970s. Populations declined due to loss of habitat, pesticide use, and competition …

Stormwater is making the news! In the September 13, 2019 issue of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Frank Kummer states “On average, Philadelphia gets about 42 inches of rain in a year, according to the National Weather Service. In 2018, it got 62 inches. This year is also proving to be wet, with about 36 inches so far — 8 inches more …

In Pennsylvania there are more than 30 species of amphibians. You may find many of these species in your garden, neighborhoods, and parks. Attract amphibians to your property by learning about them and how you can landscape to meet their needs. Double lives In Pennsylvania, amphibians consist of what we commonly recognize as frogs, toads, salamanders, and newts. It is …

When I decided to write about fireflies, I thought I would write a short, inspiring, little article about how these magical insects light up summer nights.  But like many subjects in environmental landscaping, it didn’t turn out to be that simple, so I would like to share what I have learned about these fascinating creatures. Fireflies in Pennsylvania I was …

When designing a garden in other seasons, it is easy to forget what your garden will look like in winter. Since this cold and sometimes dreary season is three months long, incorporate winter garden plants that perform while other plants are taking the season off. Select winter plants with evergreen foliage, interesting bark, colorful berries, and dried seed heads for a …

The common debate among the purchase of Christmas trees is whether you should purchase fresh cut or artificial trees. The case can be made for sustainability, supporting local businesses, longevity, cost, aroma, tradition, or personal preference. Often left out of this debate is the option for a “living” tree, also known as a live tree or a balled & burlapped …

It’s a great time of year to be outside.  Temperatures and humidity are lower, and we don’t need to bundle up yet. If you have taken this opportunity to stroll around your property and quickly became discouraged because it looks like a jungle out there, take heart. Fall and winter are a great time to regain control of invasive plants, and …